If you have a hot water tank, check that it’s programmed to heat up your water at intervals perhaps an hour in the morning and again in the evening. Only turning your hot water on at the times you need, rather than keeping it heated all day long, could save you up to £150 a year.

3) Invest in a window sealing kit

If you don’t have double glazing in your rented home, a good short-term solution for chillier spells is to seal your windows with film to stop heat escaping.

5) Bleed your radiators

If your property is fitted with gas central heating the radiators may not be working to their full capacity because of air bubbles trapped inside them. These air bubbles can be released by what’s known as ‘bleeding’ your radiator.

To check if your radiator needs bleeding, follow these steps:

Run hands over radiator when it’s on. If it’s cool at the top and hot at the bottom this probably means it needs bleeding.

Switch your central heating off at the boiler and wait for the radiators to cool down before you bleed.

Find your release valve at the top of the radiator (with a small square pin) and use the radiator key to release the trapped air.

Before you start, put towels between the radiator and the wall and under the radiator and bowl underneath to catch any water.

Don’t remove the valve completely, just loosen slightly to release the air.

When you’ve released all of the air, water will start to pour out of the valve. Shut the valve with the key and your radiator should be back to full working order.

6) Wrap up your pipes and hot water tank

Insulating your hot water cylinder with a jacket (at least 80mm thick and costing around £15) will keep your hot water warmer for longer, meaning less energy is used heating your home, saving you money.

Covering your hot water pipes with foam insulation will also keep costs down by keeping your water warmer for longer.

7) SWITCH

One of the easiest ways to save yourself money is to change your gas and electricity supplier. There’s a myth that if you’re renting, you’re unable to change your supplier.

MYTH BUST!

If you're responsible for paying the gas and electricity bill directly to the supplier, it's within your rights to change your supplier. This includes properties with a prepayment meter. (Do make sure to check for any special clauses in your tenancy agreement around this, or if your landlord has nominated a 'preferred supplier')

All it takes is a quick phone call or online switch, and you could be saving money in minutes.